I just love a marriage of convenience plot in a historical novel! This one was fun because Caroline and Duncan don't have the best first impression of each other, and it is difficult for them to overcome their assumptions until they are forced to interact with each other on a more personal level. It was interesting to see them learn more about each other through observation and discovering the secrets of the past. They each have their own hurts and walls up to protect their hearts, but a desire for a happier life together helps them draw closer and seek for more. A sweet read!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Thanks for sending me an arc, I do appreciate it. I wasn't able to get into this one and haven't been able to get back to it so I won't be leaving an official review at this time.

Wed by Necessity is the 10th book in the Smoky Mountain Matches series. I haven't read all of the previous books, but I've enjoyed the ones I have read. I didn't expect to love this story like I did....it just pulled on my emotions and I got completely into the book.

I loved how the romance developed as it did. They didn't want to marry each other, but surprisingly things seemed meant to be. One of the scenes towards the end got me quite teary-eyed, as I found it to be so sweet!

All in all, I loved Wed By Necessity and recommend it to fans of historical romance.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This is the first Karen Kirst book that I have read. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

The book takes place in Tennessee in the 1800's. Caroline has been raised as a socialite and has been taught to look down at men who may not be her social equal. Things change when Duncan comes into town. He has the look of a drifter, but has been hired by Caroline's father to take care of the horses.

Life gets harder for them when they find themselves wed or face scandal. Both are harboring secrets, neither fully trusts the other.

I found this book to be cute and fun to read. I enjoyed the pacing, I liked the dilemma's the characters found themselves in, and above all I liked that they believed in honor and fidelity, despite the uncertainties in their marriage.

There are a few couples mentioned in the book that I believe their relationships were the romance in previous books in the series. I may have to pick up a couple and read some more about this town and the people who live there.

Source: I requested a copy of the book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Caroline Turner's family is a prominent one in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. But lately there has been some trouble brewing concerning her father's reputation. In order to protect him she's been paying hush money to a blackmailer with her inheritance money. If that isn't bad enough, her father goes and hires a new stable manager. Caroline's life is full of complications and it's about to get worse. Duncan McKenna has been kind of drifting around and decides to hire on as the Turner's stable manager. Sparks fly when they first meet but nothing will prepare them for what's ahead. When Caroline loses her temper she takes off on her horse full speed. Duncan followers her to make sure she and the horse are okay. But it isn't long before Caroline and the horse are injured. Duncan cares for both of them but now they've been together all night alone. When they return they are forced into a marriage neither of them wants. Caroline hates that Duncan is demanding she give up all her luxeries for a modest lifestyle. Duncan is upset that he got stuck with a society girl. However, as life settles in they begin to see the good in each other. But they each have things they're keeping from the other. Will those things destroy their tenuous relationship or will they find that the unwanted marriage was the best that every happened to them.

I always enjoy Karen Kirst's stories and Wed by Necessity is no exception. I love marriage of convenience stories so this was a 'must read'. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Gatlinburg and getting to know Caroline and Duncan. Both had issues they had to deal with and I think the author did a good job in presenting that in a realistic way. I loved how Duncan was really mindful of the Lord's direction. You can see how that made a difference in his life as well as Caroline's. Your heart breaks for Caroline as you learn about her upbringing and how that affected her. When I finished reading, the first thing that came to mind was the verse about God working all things together for good. Sometimes we sure don't see it that way but he always knows what's best. The story has a nice steady pace with a few tense moments along the way. And as you probably already guessed, you'll find a 'happily ever after'. So head on over to Gatlinburg and see what happens when Duncan and Caroline are Wed by Necessity.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite moments:

"Look around, Caroline. Everything has changed. This is your home and I'm your husband. As such, your money is now mine to use as I see fit. And we're not hiring someone else to do what's your place to do." Fear left an acrid taste in her mouth. If Duncan garnered control of her money, how would she meet the blackmailer's demands?

"What if I said it's because I want to spend time with my wife?" Her eyes grew round, the initial surge of wonder eclipsed by suspicion. Concern filled him. Why would she doubt him? The wounds of her upbringing must be more serious than he'd thought. Right then and there, he prayed for wisdom in how to proceed. If they were ever going to reach a state of mutual respect and, dare he hope, affection, they had to build a foundation of trust.

My father's favorite Burns quote is 'There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing.'

For more information about this book or other books by Karen Kirst, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.karenkirst.com

<http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=62647>
A Gatlinburg socialite sees another side of life

If you haven't tried a Love Inspired Historical yet, start with this one! Karen Kirst tells the story of Caroline Turner (the definition of 'poor little rich girl') and Duncan McKenna who are forced into marriage when a thunderstorm traps them together overnight in a mountain cave. Duncan is the stable manager for Caroline's father and goes from the charmer who asks Caroline to dance at the town social to the angry tyrant who gives most of her clothing to charity because she has more than their cabin can hold. I confess, it was awfully hard to like Duncan for a while but as he gets to know his new wife and sees what her lifelong struggles have been like he becomes her champion and a man worthy of falling in love with. I thought both main characters were well-written, their strengths and flaws and insecurities on display for all to see. I would definitely recommend Wed by Necessity. (Or, pretty much any book by Karen Kirst. She's proven her writing skills to me in every book of hers I've picked up.)

This is a book about burdens, past pains, defensiveness, defiance, Faith, Renewal, and a new life of acceptance through JESUS CHRIST. Caroline is an heiress who acts like one and Duncan who isn't too bad off is running from his past and wants to start a new life - so he runs into Caroline and the two of them start something - but not out of love - Duncan is a man of Faith and He trusts GOD to lead his life to where HE wants him to be. Does it include Caroline, and if it does, what way? How are things going to work out with such a difference in the two lives that are so different as night and day? Only GOD knows. This book can be a tear jerker if you allow your heart to be touched by it.

KAREN is a gifted writer. Another wonder book by the Love Inspired group.

I love the marriage of convenience storylines, even though this was more of an inconvenience, actually. But it was much more than heartfelt romance with a little drama and suspense on the side, it was also a great study of the characters, their development as people, as a married couple and in their faith in God. I truly enjoyed the story and all the different nuances in it.
Caroline Turner wasn't an easy character to like at first. She is rather prickly and nearly arrogant at times until you get to know her more and realize the upbringing she has had, and how that must have affected her. She grows, develops, and turns out to be a lovely, caring, artistic, loving soul.
Duncan McKenna was a complex character and not all he might seem at the first look. He has left the easy life behind him, seeking more fulfilling future and closer relationship with God. His patience, his faith, his perseverance will be tested during the first weeks of their unexpected marriage, and it takes tragic events to open the eyes of both Caroline and Duncan to see what they really want, if not only too late for them...
The suspense and action add layers of enjoyment to the story even though Caroline and Duncan themselves were plenty entertaining as well. Going from socialite to a farm-wife isn't easy, and there are many humorous as well as hurtful moments as Caroline and Duncan try to find the balance and compromises in their fragile union. And when they get lost from each other, faith in God is their only guiding light, as the ask for yet another chance to make things right.
A compelling story of growing to be the person we are meant to be, developing in our faith in God, as well as sweet romance building up from the oddest set of circumstances.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

Definitely a buy book. I had such a hard time liking the heroine at first but after awhile, I started understanding her better. This writing is creative and innovative in the handling of such plot lines. The writer is gifted and it shows through out the book. There may be a little resistance at first when starting to read but soon enough you will be captured in the story and just sit and enjoy the read. I will look forward to reading more from this author as it shows me from this story she is one worth following. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

I really enjoy marriage of convenience type stories and I really enjoyed this one. Duncan was a very strong and likeable character, and I especially loved his characters quiet strength and humility, yet he also had a confidence and assurance that comes from recognizing that who he is in Christ is more important than monetary worth. I enjoyed the love story here. Each character needed to grow a bit and it was interesting to see that happen.

Sparks fly when Caroline Turner and Duncan Mckenna meet, and neither are what they seem at first glance. Duncan is Caroline's father's new stable manager, and on a stormy even he insists on accompanying her on a ride, they find themselves stranded overnight, and Caroline's father insists that they marry. Caroline's mother is far from pleased, as Duncan is far from the prized husband who would help Caroline's social status. And their marriage begins on a far cry from wedded bliss, Duncan doesn't help matters by throwing out most of her belongings because they won't fit in his cabin.

Will they make their marriage work, or just make each other miserable?

Duncan is a man of faith, and once he calms down, he realizes that he could have handled things better, and tries to be kinder to Caroline. He finds out that she doesn't know much about cooking, cleaning or keeping a house, so he takes time to show her so that they can share the load together. I like his patience with her, and his kindness and understanding.

I Caroline is surprised to find that she likes to be able to take care of her own house, and she takes pride in her accomplishments. Caroline struggles to trust, as she has never been able to depend on very many people in her life. I admired her willingness to learn the things that she didn't know how, and her compassion for others.

Overall, a well done story, I loved the cameos from past characters, and how this story came together about to people willing to give each other a chance. A sort of retelling of Taming of the Shrew, except that Caroline isn't a horrible person, she just wasn't taught to do for herself. An enjoyable read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

I tried and tried to get into this book. I really liked the premise, but the execution fell flat. I just could not care one way or another about the main characters. The animosity between the two main characters is far too heavy-handed in the beginning. If someone is aggravated by another person, they aren't interested in how broad his shoulders are. The beginning is just not believable.

Having never read anything by this author, and seeing that it was Book 10 of a series, the way it's put together and presented, I expected a regular run of the mill story. While the plot is similar and there's plenty out there in these 'historical marriage of convenance types' I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the writing. Engaging, beautiful expressive descriptions transport the reader into eastern Tennessee and the heart of the Smoky Mountains. You would expect to heavily dislike Caroline Turner, heiress to a large business empire, who seemingly is self centered and looks down on everyone in their service. Duncan McKenna, Scottish immigrant has a secretive past, and is not all that he wants to show the people of Gatlinburg. He's on a quest, to leave behind the memories of his past that trouble his conscious. Taking the job of Stable Manager at the Turner Family estate, he just wants to live his life as a free man, following the direction his heart dictates. An unexpected turn of events forces the two together, with little option but to accept the new circumstances they find themselves in. I loved the way we got to witness a softening of Caroline, as we truly got to see the character that was lying within, hidden by the suppression of her upbringing emotionally. Duncan, is honorable and wants to respect his new found situation, while desperately attempting to protect himself from what he perceives Caroline's true nature to be - just more of the same frivolous high society girls he left behind in his former life in Boston.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, this author certainly knows how to write a captivating story.

Thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin & Love Inspired for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

I thought everything about this book was very well-done! The characters, their great dilemma and the plot line that unfolds all create a wonderful story of love, faith, hope and family.